Prepare or Repair

Have you worked with someone who attacks everything head on? Doing a million things all at once. You wonder if they are ever really listening to you. They may get a lot done but it isn’t always what was asked of them or even what the business needs.

Or have you worked with someone who took forever to complete a task? They appear to be slow at everything and never have the answers for you exactly when you want them. You have to admit though, when they have completed that task or answered you, it is perfect.

There are benefits in having both types in a business.

We need that action orientated person who is attacking some things head on. They are great in a crisis or emergency and always seem to ‘keep their heads’ whilst all about them is falling apart. They can also provide motivation to others.

The person taking all the time in the world, our thinker, is needed too. The time they take to research what is required to solve a problem ensures you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your business.

However, there is a downside to not moderating these behaviours to the benefit of your business.

Take a look at the quote below.

‘If you’re proactive, you focus on preparing. If you’re reactive, you end up focusing on repairing.’
John C. Maxwell

Where do you and your business sit? Are you proactive or reactive?

There are many businesses, even industries, who are sitting in the reactive space the majority of the time. This takes a toll on the business and the people within it. It is a constant circle of trying to fix problem after problem. It is a very difficult quagmire to get out of if you don’t stop and make a change to how you are doing things within your business. If you prepare, you limit the amount of damage when you do have to be reactive.

What do you need to do to make your business proactive rather than reactive?